Secretary of State expects low turnout for KY primary election

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Tuesday, May 22 is primary election day in Kentucky. If you think it's not that important to get out and vote election officials say keep in mind this is a presidential primary election, as well as an election in which the residents of Kentucky will be deciding who represents the Commonwealth in Washington.

Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky's Secretary of State, said you also have to remember that there are many local races at stake, such as the office of Commonwealth Attorney. In Jefferson County, there will be Metro Council races as well as a mayoral race in Shively. However, Grimes said she is concerned about the early estimates she's seeing on how many people expect to actually get out and cast their vote.

"We did our prediction at the end of last week based on the absentee ballot numbers that we were seeing coming in, and unfortunately, the interest statewide has been minimal to moderate," Grimes said. "At this point we predict state wide turnout will likely be between 10 percent and 12 percent, but I would like nothing more than on Wednesday morning to wake up to say that prediction was wrong."

If you do plan on voting on Tuesday, here are some things to remember. You will need to have some form of identification, such as a drivers license, credit card or social security card.

Voter fraud is also a concern in any elections. Grimes said if you see a problem at your precinct or you suspect any type of voter fraud is occurring, please take action.

"Feel free to call the voter information hotline which is 1-800-328-VOTE (8683) and there you'll be able to register any concern or complaint that you have which the Attorney General or the State Board of Elections will be addressing," said Grimes.

For information regarding where to cast your ballot or to find out who is running for what office, you can log on to the Secretary of State's web site here for all that information and more.

Polls will be open on Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those who still need to file an absentee ballot can do so until 6:30 p.m. Monday at any Jefferson County Clerk's office with the exception of the downtown office on Court Place.